Sigma DP1x: 28mm Foveon compact gets a refreshBy
Mike Tomkins(Sunday, February 21, 2010 - 03:07 EST)As the PMA show kicks off in Anaheim, California, Sigma has announced a refresh of its DP1 compact camera in the form of the Sigma DP1x.

The DP1x retains the DP1's near-APS-C sized image sensor, which yields a final image size of 4.7 megapixels. The lens featured in the DP1x is also identical to that of its predecessor, being a fixed 28mm-equivalent with an f/4.0 maximum aperture.

The big change in the Sigma DP1x is the use of Sigma's latest "TRUE II" image processor, as previously featured in the Sigma DP2. TRUE II is said to offer improvements in processing speed, operation, and performance as compared to the original TRUE processor. The DP1x also has a somewhat reconfigured rear panel design, a new setup menu, improved AF algorithms, a new power save mode, and an upgrade to Sigma Photo Pro 4.0 in the product bundle.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP1x compact digital camera, incorporating a “TRUE II” image processing engine, as used in the Sigma DP2 and SD15 digital SLR.

In March 2008, Sigma introduced a high-end compact digital camera with the concept of “A new compact digital camera featuring the same technology as an SLR”. The DP1 featured the same large image sensor as Sigma’s digital SLR cameras.

The DP1 has established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. The Sigma DP2 was then launched in April 2009. After the launch of the DP2 camera, users could continue to enjoy the image quality of the DP1 for wide focal length photography and also take advantage of the DP2’s standard focal length.

This new DP1x includes the “TRUE II” image processing engine, improving the image-processing time, as well as a new AF algorithm, providing high speed auto focusing. In addition, the user interface has been unified with the DP2 series by changing the Set Up Menu and adopting the QS (Quick Set) button. This provides photographers easier operation of the camera controls when the DP1x is used with the DP2 series.

SLR-sized image sensor The size of the image sensor used in the DP1x camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8μm. The large photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich light efficiently and give the DP1x its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-color image sensor The DP1x uses the same 14 megapixel (2,652×1,768×3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14, SD15 and other DP series cameras. Utilizing the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location. Since the moire is not generated, use of a low-pass filter is not needed because full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.

16.6mm F4 lens The DP1x's integral 16.6mm F4 lens (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm film camera) is built to the same design as the DP1's and produces the same outstanding image quality. The large-diameter of aspherical glass provides low distortion and high contrast images. It also offers superior peripheral brightness. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. It allows photographers to take pictures in difficult light conditions. This lens and SLR-sized image sensor provides natural shallow depth-of-field.

RAW format recording The DP1x includes JPEG recording format for convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP1x keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color of RGB data, so in RAW, X3F files, brightness and color data can be kept in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processed in Sigma Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.

SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0 (supplied) The supplied image processing software, "Sigma Photo Pro 4.0", converts RAW data quickly and easily. Incorporation of a new noise reduction algorithm reduces Chroma and Luminance noise when processing X3F files taken at ISO400 or more. It is possible to adjust the level of reduction for noise just by moving the slider in the control pallet. This software is compatible with multi core CPU’s, ensuring high speed image processing. It also incorporates functions such as Loupe, slideshow, Printing, JPEG conversion and batch white balance settings.

Three metering modes and four exposure modes The DP1x has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE or Manual. Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3.0 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.

The QS (Quick Set) Menu The DP1x features the QS (Quick Set) menu, designed to allow users to quickly access and change the most commonly used camera functions. It is possible to display the QS menu by pressing the QS button. QS menu 1 allows users to change the ISO Setting, White Balance, Flash mode and Metering mode and QS menu 2 gives access to Image Size, Color Mode, Image Quality and Drive Mode.

Pop up (manual) built-in flash The DP1x is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in flash. It is possible to use Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow Synchro Mode. It also features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops increments.

9 point focusing area The AF area of DP1x is equipped with 9 focusing points. It is possible to select the desired focusing point depending on the shooting situation.

Manual Focus Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

Movie Mode It is possible to record movies with QVGA (320x240) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames. The recording capacity is approximately 30 minutes by 1GB memory card.

Color Mode The DP1x camera is equipped with 7 types of the Color Modes which is adjusted saturation, contrast, etc for each shooting situation. It is possible to select from Portrait, Landscape, Vivid, Standard, Neutral, B&W or Sepia.

Large 2.5" TFT Color LCD Monitor The DP1x camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the images, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.

Hot Shoe The DP1x camera is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG. This hot shoe is also used to attach high performance view finder VF-21 (optional).*EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG flashgun series can be used in manual mode only.

Dedicated lens hood (HA-11) It is possible to attach the dedicated lens hood to block out extraneous light. It also functions as an adapter, designed to accept the 46mm Close-up Lens and 46mm filters.*A hood adapter HA-11 is sold separately

Power Save Mode The Power Save Mode lowers the battery consumption. When this mode is enabled, a greater number of pictures can be taken with a single charge of the battery.